Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s tourism sector has once again captured global attention after the Ngorongoro Conservation Area was named Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction and the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) walked away with six additional accolades at the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) held in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Ngorongoro’s triumph saw it beat other celebrated African landmarks including the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, South Africa’s Table Mountain, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront and Harbeespoort Aerial Cableway, as well as Lake Nyassa and Mount Kilimanjaro.
The prestigious win is a significant milestone for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), which manages the globally acclaimed site known for its rich biodiversity, spectacular crater, and harmonious co-existence of wildlife and pastoralist communities.
Alongside Ngorongoro’s victory, Tanapa reaffirmed its leadership in conservation-based tourism by clinching six continental awards through its network of national parks, further enhancing Tanzania’s reputation as a premier destination for nature lovers and adventure travellers.
Serengeti National Park was once again crowned Africa’s Leading National Park, a title it has now retained for seven consecutive years, thanks to its globally renowned Great Migration and unspoiled ecosystems.
Serengeti also won the title of Africa’s Leading Big Five Destination, recognising its unmatched concentration of iconic wildlife.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park secured the award for Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park, with Africa’s highest peak continuing to attract climbers and trekkers from across the globe.
Nyerere National Park, formerly part of the Selous Game Reserve, was named Africa’s Leading Scenic National Park, celebrated for its vast wilderness, river systems, and ecological diversity.
Tarangire National Park won the award for Africa’s Leading Elephant Park, a reflection of its large elephant populations and growing popularity among safari tourists.
Ruaha National Park was recognised for Africa’s Leading Cultural Tourism, showcasing Tanzania’s commitment to community-based tourism that preserves and promotes indigenous cultures.
Completing the impressive line-up, Kitulo National Park—famed for its alpine meadows and wildflowers—was declared Africa’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, signalling its rising appeal for romantic and nature-based getaways.
Tourism authorities have hailed these achievements as a powerful endorsement of the country’s conservation efforts, marketing strategies, and political commitment to making tourism a key pillar of the national economy.
“These international honours not only bring pride to Tanzania but are also vital in attracting global attention, stimulating foreign investment and boosting tourist arrivals,” said a senior official at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism.
The awards also align with the Sixth Phase Government’s drive—championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan—to enhance visibility of Tanzania’s tourism offerings and increase earnings from the sector through strategic reforms and promotion campaigns.
With 21 national parks under TANAPA and a range of other protected areas managed by NCAA and other agencies, Tanzania continues to consolidate its position as a leading destination for eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and adventure travel on the African continent.
